Primary School Prep DIY Guide-Writing-Page 1
INTRODUCTION
 
You can start teaching your baby to write at around two years old or at least when you can see that they have the co-ordination to hold a pencil. That may be a bit later for your child, which is fine.  
 
HOLDING A PENCIL CORRECTLY  
 
We recommend that you start teaching your child to use a pencil. 
 
The correct way to hold a pencil to write, whether your child is left-handed or right-handed, is the tripod grip. With the tripod grip, they hold the pencil between the thumb and the index finger. 
 
See below pictures of left-handed and right-handed grip:  
If you see that your child is struggling to hold the pencil correctly, then you may need to wait until
they are a little older. Try again in a month or so.  
SITTING CORRECTLY  
Your child needs to sit correctly before beginning to write. 
 
They should be sitting on a chair. 
Their feet should be flat on the ground. 
Their hip should be at the back of the chair and at a 90-degree angle.  
 
The writing paper should be on a table. 
Your child should be facing the table with their elbow in line with the top of the desk.  
Their back should be straight but tilted slightly forward towards the desk.  
Their arms and wrists should be resting on the table. 
The paper should be towards their left hand if they are left-handed and towards their right hand if they are right-handed.